Archive for 2020

In the interest of not issuing messages that contradict community health experts the City of Salem and Dent County have been coordinating efforts with the Dent County Health Center in response to COVID-19. Salem Mayor Brad Nash and Dent County Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles have been meeting with Dent County Health Center Administrator Kendra Mobray and other stakeholders on a regular basis since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. As of Thursday, April 2nd at noon, there have been no reports of positive cases in Dent County. Nash, Skiles, and Mobray wanted to commend the public and local businesses for following the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Governor Parson. While some cities and counties in Missouri are adopting stay at home orders, officials from Dent County, Salem, and Bunker do not feel issuing a stay at home order is deemed appropriate at this time. If a stay at home order is issued in the future, the public should be aware that grocery stores and other essential businesses will remain open. Questions about individual health concerns should be directed to your health care provider but questions regarding the public aspect of COVID-19 can be directed to the Dent County Health Center. Call 573-729-3106 or e-mail questions to dentcountymocovid19@gmail.com.

Friday morning at about 8:30, Dent County Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles along with Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge will be on KSMO Radio AM 1340 and online at ksmoradio.com to discuss the economic stimulus package passed by Congress last week known as the CARES Act. Burbridge will discuss many of the aspects of the act that can help local business owners including the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program and Economic Injury Disaster Grant Program, the Payroll Protection Program Loans and the Small Business Debt Relief Program. Burbridge will provide data for those who may be interested in these programs and where they need to go to get more information.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released the following reports for March 26th and 27th. On Thursday, the 26th, a Deputy traveled to an apartment on Odom Drive to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 22- year-old Salem man was arrested for an active warrant through Dent County. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and incarcerated. Then on Friday, the 27th, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 7000 block of Highway 68 for a report of a disturbance between a man and woman. During the course of the incident, a 34-year-old Salem man was arrested for an active warrant through Gasconade County. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he later posted bond and was released. Also on the 27th a deputy traveled to a residence in the 200 block of Route H for the report of a domestic dispute. During the course of the incident, a 39-year-old Salem woman was arrested for an active warrant through Probation and Parole. The woman was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and incarcerated. If you have information regarding any investigation, contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

Remember, the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Missouri Conservation Commission have temporarily waived permit requirements for sport fishing and daily trout tags for Missouri residents and nonresidents whose fishing privileges are not otherwise suspended. The waiver of needing a permit or trout tag to fish will run through April 15. Seasons, methods, and limits still apply and will be enforced. The Department of Conservation continues to emphasize that it is still critical for everyone to continue to heed all recommendations for physical distancing, avoiding overcrowding, hand-washing, and other public-health measures while fishing.

An accident happened in Phelps County Thursday afternoon at 12:50 on Highway 72 at Phelps County Road 5420. According to the highway patrol report, a 2003 Ford Escape driven westbound by 21-year old Misty Sprow of Rolla, was slowing to make a left hand turn when the Ford was struck from behind by a 2007 Chevy Malibu driven westbound by 21-year old Samantha Burghardt of Rolla. The collision caused the Escape to travel off the right side of the roadway. The Chevy continued across the center line where it collided with a 2010 Dodge Ram driven eastbound by 56-year old John Russell of Salem. Burghardt suffered serious injuries and was transported by EMS to Phelps Health in Rolla. Suffering minor injuries were John Russell of Salem as well as an occupant in the Ram, 59-year old Becky Russell of Salem. They were both taken by the EMS to Phelps Health in Rolla. The Chevy Malibu and the Dodge Ram were both totaled in the accident while the Ford sustained moderate damages. The Ford and the Chevy were removed from the scene by Dishman’s Towing while Whitaker’s Towing removed the Dodge Ram. Everyone except Burkhardt was wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.

The Salem Public Library will be closed until further notice in the best interests of patrons and staff because of the current national health emergency. Director Glenda Wofford said the decision was based on the recommendations of the White House and Missouri governor’s office with the best advice from federal, state, and local public health officials. Updates will be posted on the library’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Patrons are encouraged to access the virtual library at salempubliclibrary.net. Library staff will work throughout the closure. Please call 729-4331 with any questions you may have.

The Salem License Bureau office in the Crossroads Shopping Center will be closing the office from Monday, April 6th through Friday April 17th. At this time, they plan to re-open the office on Monday April 20th.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held a special meeting Monday evening at the District Administrative Boardroom. The board amended the agenda to include a closed session to discuss real estate and personnel. The board approved leaving the SECE Insurance Consortium that provided health insurance for the Salem R-80 School District through June 30th. The board also approved accepting a bid from United Health Care for health insurance for the 2020-2021 school year pending a bid from a local agent. In closed session the board approved purchasing the house and land located at 1407 West Rolla Road adjacent to the R-80 Administrative Central Office from Town and Country bank for $51,100. The house and land were paid using an donation from the Judson Young Foundation that came to $52,600. Also in closed session, the board approved employing Dr. Herman Blau as the next principal at William Lynch Elementary as well as the Federal Programs Coordinator. With no other business at hand, the meeting was then adjourned.

The Salem Police Department has released reports for March 22nd and 24th. On Sunday night, March 22nd, at approximately 10:30, an officer responded to the 700 block of south Orchard Street after hearing of a pursuit involving a car with license plates that checked back to this address. Contact was made with the owner of the vehicle and it was found that the vehicle had been taken from the residence. The vehicle was listed into MULES as stolen. On Monday, March 23rd, the vehicle was found abandoned in Licking and returned to the owner. The incident is still under investigation. Finally on Tuesday morning, March 24th, at approximately 11:55, an officer was dispatched to the 300 block of north Pershing for a report of a stolen UTV. It was reported that the UTV was taken from the residence at an unknown time. The UTV is described as a 2014 red and black Polaris Ranger. This incident is still under investigation. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an investigation.

Out of an abundance for caution and in response to recent events, Missouri State Parks will modify operations at five state parks to address overcrowding and concerns regarding public safety. The modifications, including the temporary closure of four of Missouri’s state parks and partial closure of one additional park, go into effect at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 2nd, and are scheduled to continue until April 30th. Carol Comer, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, said we’re continuing to evaluate the situation and make adjustments to operations as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves. As conditions and recommendations change, we will make additional closures as needed. Before heading out to a state park, we encourage our citizens to check mostateparks.com for advisory updates and the latest actions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the KSMO listening area the operation modifications will include Elephant Rocks State Park. Missouri State Parks encourages those who visit a park to carry hand sanitizer, soap, wipes and drinking water as services may be limited. In addition, please be considerate of others and the Missouri State Parks staff who continue to serve the public. If you have any questions, please contact Missouri State Parks at moparks@dnr.mo.gov. For the latest updates on Missouri State Parks’ response to COVID-19, visit mostateparks.com/response.

While it’s important to know how to keep yourself and your family safe from physical harm during severe weather events, preparation for these weather emergencies doesn’t end there. The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance wants consumers to know the importance of making sure they’re adequately covered BEFORE a severe weather event occurs. Although you may already have a homeowners or renters insurance policy, make sure you know exactly what it covers. If you don’t own a policy, arrange to purchase one as soon as possible in order to protect yourself and your family from a devastating loss. Waiting until a storm arrives may be too late to protect your home and belongings. It’s important to review your policy each year to make sure your coverage is adequate. It’s easy to forget about important purchases or additions you’ve made to your home and your current level of coverage may not be enough to replace what you own. And, not all policies and levels of coverage are equal – in fact, they vary greatly. While one policy may cover full replacement of a damaged roof, another policy may depreciate the coverage based on the age of the roof. Flood damage is not covered by standard homeowners policies. If you live in an area prone to flooding, you will need to purchase a federal flood insurance policy through your agent to cover flood damage. Consumers should do this as early as possible, as there is typically a 30-day waiting period from the date of purchase before a policy goes into effect. Being prepared will make it easier for you to file a claim following a severe weather event. Complete a detailed inventory of your household furnishings and take photos of each room in your home. Make lists of other valuables and equipment that don’t appear in the photos. Keep these materials in a safe place outside your home, such as a safe deposit box. The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance provides more severe weather resources and tips for consumers on their website.